Opposing crowds of far-right and anti-racism protesters have gathered in Leeds city centre.

An estimated 150 people took part in a far-right demonstration on the Headrow on Saturday afternoon, outside Leeds Art Gallery, at the same time as similar protests were held in towns and cities across the UK.

Just 20m away and separated by a police rearguard, around 250 anti-racism protesters held a counter-demonstration and their numbers swelled over the course of the afternoon.

In Leeds, the gatherings have thus far passed off largely without incident and violence, although a BBC reporter witnessed one arrest being made.

West Yorkshire Police has been contacted for comment.

Far-right protesters were heard chanting “You’re not English anymore”, while anti-racism demonstrators sang “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.

On multiple occasions the far-right demonstration appeared to have dispersed, before regrouping.

At one stage, the group marched a loop of the city centre, passing through the city centre shopping areas, before returning to The Headrow and standing on the road.

Buses briefly had difficulty passing through the area as traffic was disrupted.

The demo later moved around to the opposite side of the anti-racism counter-demonstration, closely followed by police who maintained a disciplined line separating both groups.

It follows several days of violent demonstrations in towns and cities across the UK, since the fatal stabbing of three children at a dance class in Southport on Monday.

On Saturday, protests were held in Manchester, Liverpool, Hull and Belfast, with pockets of violence breaking out in some locations.

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